The cooperation of Fiat and PSA are responsible for the design and production of the Peugeot Boxer. It’s the largest van of the French manufacturer in the segment of medium and large delivery vehicles. Peugeot Boxer is the natural successor of the J5, which technically corresponded to the first generation of Fiat Ducato. The partnership of two concerns, customer expectations and the growing popularity of delivery vehicles have resulted in the form of a stable van, which is the Peugeot Boxer. Due to limited distribution sources, in the beginning Boxer was mainly available in France. Later, the van appeared in all European countries. Let's go back to the moment when it all began.
Debut of Peugeot Boxer
Work on a completely new van, which was to break with outdated solutions and style, began in 1987. Ital Design, led by Giorgetto Giugario, was involved in working on the body of the new van. The guidelines the company received to develop the body of the new model were very simple: large cargo space, affordability for various body versions and reduction of air resistance. After several years of improving, the final version of the vehicle was approved. Peugeot Boxer I was presented for the first time in 1994 at the Geneva fair. Ultimately, the air resistance coefficient Cx = 0.35 was achieved. It was this design, on which also Fiat and Citroen delivery vans were based, that was chosen the Van of the Year in 1995.
The company has used some design solutions that have worked well in the J5 model. Peugeot Boxer I was a front-wheel drive vehicle with a transverse engine. It was decided to use a self-supporting body, which contributed to a decrease in the vehicle's own weight and an increase in collision strength. Interestingly, it was decided to use different designs of front and rear suspension. At the front there is a McPherson suspension (with or without stabilizer), and at the rear there is a rigid rear axle mounted on parabolic springs. Vans were mainly equipped with diesel engines, generating power in the range of 68 - 127 HP. The most powerful version of the engine came from Iveco and had the designation 2.8HDI. Peugeot Boxer I was produced as a closed box van, glazed van, raised van, 6/9-passenger wagon, 9-passenger minibus, box, 6-passenger box. There were also orders for individual fleet customers, such as a post office in France or a network of hospitals.
In February 2002, it was decided to refresh all twin models of the PSA group vans. Facelifting mainly involved the appearance of the front of the vehicle. The most striking modification was the change of lights to larger ones. In addition, the front bumper has also changed, which took on more characteristic shapes. The manufacturer also decided to make the logo more visible. Minor changes were also introduced inside the vehicle, although they mainly concerned more pockets and lockers for driver use. New gasoline, LPG and CNG units have appeared in the engine range. Their maximum power was 110 HP. The facelift didn’t affect the air resistance coefficient, which was still Cx = 0.35. Work on the more streamlined shape had to be moved to the next generation of vehicles. This appeared a few years later, already in 2006.
The first generation of Peugeot Boxer has not been as successful in sales as the twin Fiat Ducato. Boxer I was very popular in France. In other parts of Europe it stayed in the shadow of Ducato, Ford Transit or even Volkswagen LT. This was mainly due to a less extensive network of dealer salons compared to competing brands.
